Another protest rally by jeepney drivers vs gasoline price increase?

Ateneo Professor on Entrepreneurship

Philippines  |  September 10, 2013

Another round of gasoline price increases has been announced for this week by the major oil companies.  And in the offing are announced strikes protest by radical transport groups.  Another day of work stoppage which adds nothing to anyone.  The jeepney drivers protest action does not endear anymore to anyone for misdirected and useless efforts.  They simply shoot themselves and that of their customers (the riding public)

Some clarifications:

1.  The government nor the oil refineries/producers have nothing to do with increases in oil price.  Geopolitics and the oil producers (OPEC) control the price of oil world wide.

2. The Syrian and Egyptian conflict make the world market for oil nervous;  they are in the Middle East and controls the Gulf where the oil tankers ply their routes.  The planned military action by US vs Syria (to which Russia objects) can send the world on brink of bigger war which makes the oil traders even more nervous.  There is speculation/hoarding which spikes oil prices and we expect more.

Rather than resort to protest (which does not promote world peace!!!) some actions are suggested;

l.  Make the vehicles more fuel efficient or buy new units so that there could be more passengers and more revenues.  The jeepney drivers and operators that new modern AC buses and FX vans are taking away their business;

2.  Resort to alternative energy sources:  EV, hybrids and more.

High oil prices are here to stay;   let us not cry and be angry.  Let us be realistic and adjust  as a mature human being/citizen would